Latest modern slavery fight updates - FreedomUnited.org
Donate

Arrests in US East Coast Trafficking Ring

  • Published on
    November 29, 2017
  • News Source Image
  • Category:
    Human Trafficking
Hero Banner

Two men from New Jersey are being charged for human trafficking at least six women for sexual exploitation. The police say the men used threats of violence and drugs to control the victims.

Barry “Bear” Schiff, 50, and Kenneth Crowell, 34, allegedly coerced the women into forced servitude from 2014 to 2017.

NJ.com explains how the trafficking ring was discovered:

Pennsylvania State Police broke the case in April when troopers responded to an advertisement on Backpage and arranged to meet a woman at a Lancaster motel, authorities said. After identifying themselves as troopers the woman told said she wanted to “get out” and didn’t feel safe, authorities said.

The woman told the troopers Schiff sold heroin and opioid pills to other women as a way to control them, authorities said.

Another victims told a grand jury that the Crowell tried to strangle her several times. Other charges facing the men include conspiracy, possession with intent to deliver, prostitution and related offenses.

The trafficking ring operated in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania according to officials.

Subscribe

Freedom United is interested in hearing from our community and welcomes relevant, informed comments, advice, and insights that advance the conversation around our campaigns and advocacy. We value inclusivity and respect within our community. To be approved, your comments should be civil.

stop icon A few things we do not tolerate: comments that promote discrimination, prejudice, racism, or xenophobia, as well as personal attacks or profanity. We screen submissions in order to create a space where the entire Freedom United community feels safe to express and exchange thoughtful opinions.

Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

This week

UK’s “one-in, one-out” scheme undermines trafficking protections

Just hours before his scheduled deportation, a 25-year-old man from Eritrea had his removal halted by London’s High Court. The ruling marks the first successful legal challenge to the UK’s new “one in, one out” removal policy. Mr Justice Sheldon ruled that officials had not properly investigated claims of human trafficking. In his oral ruling, Justice Sheldon said there was “a serious issue to be tried” over whether the Home Office had

| Tuesday September 16, 2025

Read more